J&K Arms Licence Scam: MHA Says Prosecution Sanction Against IAS Officers Under Active Consideration; High Court Grants Adjournment

In a fresh development in the Arms Licences Scam monitored by the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, the Union Government on Thursday informed the Division Bench that the question of granting prosecution sanction against several IAS officers is under active consideration of the Ministry of Home Affairs and that a formal decision is likely to be reached in the immediate future.Recording this categorical statement, the Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli, with Justice Rajnesh Oswal, granted a short accommodation and posted the matter for 30 December 2025.Earlier when the matter was taken up, Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, assisted by CGSC A.C. Koul, submitted that the affidavit directed by the Court on 09.10.2025 has already been filed. He further informed the Bench consistent with what is recorded in the order dated 20.11.2025 that both the Government of J&K and the CBI have responded to all clarifications sought by the Ministry through their communications dated 26 September and 14 October 2025 respectively. The DSGI reiterated that the Ministry is now examining the sanction proposals at an advanced stage and that its final position will be ready shortly.Background:The matter concerns the prosecution sanction sought against several IAS officers who served as District Magistrates during the period when the CBI alleges large scale illegal arms licences were issued. In its earlier status reports the MHA had informed the Court that the J&K Government had forwarded proposals regarding several IAS officers. The Ministry had also indicated that a high level meeting chaired by the Additional Secretary (UT) was held with senior officials of the J&K Government and the CBI to discuss the prosecution sanction sought in the CBI FIR's.During the hearing, Senior AAG Mohsin Qadri, appearing with Advocate Maha Majeed through virtual mode for the J&K Government, submitted that the UT administration has already fulfilled its responsibility by forwarding all sanction proposals and that the matter now lies exclusively with the competent authority in the MHA. He suggested that keeping the PIL pending may not serve any further purpose.On the other hand, Advocate S.S. Ahmed with Advocate Supriya Singh Chouhan, appearing for the petitioners, appreciated the assistance rendered by both the DSGI and the State's law officers in ensuring that status reports and documents were filed promptly in a matter involving substantial public importance. The Bench also placed on record its appreciation for the efforts of the DSGI, Sr. AAG and their assisting counsel.After hearing all parties, the Division Bench accepted the DSGI's request for a brief accommodation to enable the Union Government to place its formal decision on the prosecution sanction issue before the Court. The matter stands adjourned to 30 December 2025.Case Title: Sheikh Mohd Shafi Vs Union of IndiaClick Here To Read/Download Order

J&K Arms Licence Scam: MHA Says Prosecution Sanction Against IAS Officers Under Active Consideration; High Court Grants Adjournment

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